Photographed inside a Faribault, Minnesota, greenhouse. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo 2013.
ON THE EVE of another major winter storm here in Minnesota, I am opting to remember that this snowy season will end and spring will eventually erupt in all her colorful glory.
Leaves unfurling in southern Minnesota. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo May 2018.
My great niece waters plants insider her family’s mini greenhouse. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo May 2018.
Apple blossoms at River Bend Nature Center. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo May, 2017.
To convince myself of that possibility, I searched my archives for spring images, photos that I can visually imprint upon my thoughts. It is the best I can do now to deal with all this snow. It is my way of handling my disappointment in not seeing my grandchildren this weekend. It is my way of mentally preparing for the 6 – 10 inches of snow forecast to fall here Saturday through Sunday.
A pause in field work along the Rice-Steele County line in April 2016. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Several years ago, my crocuses bloomed in mid-March. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
Walking with the baby and the dog in Northfield, Minnesota, on March 12, 2016. Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo. 2016.
Because I know plenty of other Midwesterners are as sick of winter as I am, I am sharing. May these photos provide a brief break from winter. May they remind you that warmth and greenery really do exist in cold weather locations. Just not now. But spring will come, my friends. Believe it.
Minnesota Prairie Roots file photo.
BONUS PHOTO: The Lyndale Avenue walk-up/drive-up Dairy Queen in Faribault opened recently, an unofficial sign of spring. And, yes, Randy and I enjoyed our $1.99 Peanut Buster Parfaits.
Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I love your traditional Peanut Buster Parfait adventure- it signals that spring is coming. I know it has been a very long winter for you . The snow has been relentless and has hampered many plans. So sorry no visit with those grand babies this weekend but soon hopefully.
The PB Parfait has become a tradition, I suppose, given we’ve gotten them the last several years during opening week of the DQ.
I want a weekend of good weather, not only to visit the grandkids, but also my mom. The weather is always worse in sw MN with the wide open spaces and wind.
The downside of prairie living.
Yup.
Some say spring will come some day.
Opinions vary.
Oh, how I am laughing. Stay safe out there this weekend in Almost Iowa land.
A good shot in the arm!
Emily
Thanks, Emily.
I love that you and Randy always get those $1.99 PBP’s. Love the photo’s of Springtime memories, it’s hard to believe that it is already March 7th. Spring will come despite what winter says. Stay warm my friend!
We’ve gone to the DQ the past several years right after it opens to get the treat. A spring tradition, even if it’s not really spring.
Great colorful photo images as a gentle reminder spring will come and I offer you this quote from Pepper Blair…
The snow must give way to the will of spring.
Love PB parfaits
What a wonderful quote, something I need to read as we await our latest winter storm.
Lovely photos, Audrey. Sending warm thoughts your way! ❤
I appreciate your warm thoughts.